A.—la

4

but His Lordship added that the preparation of Letters Patent was necessarily delayed until the Colonial Legislature had repealed Act No. 8, of 1875, or had otherwise enabled the Senate to exercise such power. 2. This has now been done; and the Premier has the honour to ask that His Excellency will represent to Lord Derby that Ministers will be glad if the Letters Patent can be issued without delay. 3. Copies of " The New Zealand University Act, 1874, Amendment Act, 1883," are forwarded herewith. Wellington, July 31st, 1883. Fred. Whitaker.

No. 5. His Excellency the Goveenoe to the Seceetaey of State for the Colonies. (No. 55.) My Loed, — Government House, Wellington, 11th August, 1883. With reference to your Lordship's Despatch, No. 22, dated the 22nd April last, forwarding a petition from certain Maori Chiefs at Waitaki, I have the honour to transmit herewith a memorandum from the Premier (Mr. Whitaker), covering a memorandum from Mr. Bryce (the Native Minister), explaining that certain allegations contained in the petition are altogether inaccurate, inasmuch as the whole of the lands "taken by the New Zealand Government" from the Natives, were fairly paid for. 2. I have, in accordance with your Lordship's directions, informed the petitioners of the action which has been taken on their communication. 3. I transmit herewith copies of the report on the state and condition of Native reserves in the colony, which has been just laid before the Colonial Parliament. . I have, &c, Wm. F. DEUMMOND JEEVOIS. The Eight Hon. the Earl of Derby.

Enclosure. Memorandum for His Excellency. The Native Minister has reported upon the petition from Maoris at Waitaki, Otago, a translation of which is enclosed in a Despatch from the Secretary of State for the Colonies; and the Premier has the honour to forward to His Excellency a memorandum from the Native Minister (Mr. Bryce) on the subject. Wellington, July 27th, 1883. Fred. Whitaker. Sub-Enclosure. The petition contains allegations which are altogether inaccurate. There is no land in the Middle Island in the position described by the petitioners' as having been "taken by the New Zealand Government without payment." On the contrary, the whole of the land, either sold by the Government or now in its possession, has been fairly and equitably purchased and paid for. It may be noted, also, that the Natives of the Middle Island, about 2,000 in number, are still in possession of valuable landed estates. J. Bryce.

No. 6. His Excellency the Goveenoe to the Seceetaey of State for the Colonies. (No. 61.) * My Loed, — Government House, Wellington, 11th August, 1883. I have the honour to transmit herewith copies of the last report of the West Coast Eoyal Commission, in continuation of that dated the 2nd June, 1882, forwarded by Sir James Prendergast to your Lordship's predecessor on the 17th July, 1882. The Commissioner, Sir William Fox, K.C.M.G., has, as your Lordship will perceive, now nearly completed his labours. He has performed his arduous duties with the greatest care and diligence; and the lands which, on his recommendation, have been granted to the Natives, are extensive and valuable. In nearly all cases, restrictions have been placed on the alienation of the land granted; by which means it is hoped that their permanent occupation, or at least ownership, by their present owners will be secured. I have, &c, Wm. F. DEUMMOND JEEVOIS. The Eight Hon. the Earl of Derby.

Authority: Geobgb Didsbuey, Government Printer, Wellington.—lBB3,